On this brand-new itinerary, PONANT invites you to discover the must-see jewels of the Seychelles. On Mahé, you will board Le Bougainville for a 9-day expedition cruise to the heart of this archipelago’s Inner Islands for a glimpse of paradise.

The first stop on your cruise: Sainte Anne Marine National Park, whose coral reefs are home to stunning species, guaranteeing unforgettable snorkelling.

On Curieuse Island, reputed for its red earth and for the Aldabra giant tortoises that have taken up residence there, take an excursion to the heart of the mangrove. You will then discover Aride, an unspoiled delight of the Indian Ocean, home to thousands of birds including some endemic species.

In Praslin, don’t miss the chance to visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. There you will find sea coconuts, gigantic endemic fruits with a very evocative shape, nicknamed the “love nut”.

Palm trees, granite rock, white sand and crystal-clear water then await you on Grande Sœur and La Digue. The beaches on these two stunning islands are each more beautiful than the next, guaranteeing moments of relaxation that will live up to your fantasies of the Seychelles.

The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

LE BOUGAINVILLE

Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience.

As the third ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bougainville will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort.

Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service.

Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

Port of call & excursions

Victoria, Mahé

Discover Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahé is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.

4 January 2020 – Victoria, Mahé

Arrival 04/01/2020. Departure 04/01/2020 early morning.

Discover Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahé is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.

4 January 2020 – Sainte Anne Marine National Park

Arrival 04/01/2020 midday. Departure 04/01/2020 late afternoon.

5 January 2020 – Saint Joseph Atoll

6 January 2020 – Curieuse Island

Situated off the coast of Praslin, Curieuse has a distinguishing feature: its red earth. Discovered in 1768 by the French explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne, it was ravaged by a fire in 1771 and then home to a leper colony of which a few vestiges still remain. Declared a national marine park in 1979, it is home to many underwater species, which can be discovered while scuba diving or snorkelling in the idyllic waters of the Indian Ocean. But above all, Curieuse is renowned for the hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises that live there. It is highly likely that you will get the chance to meet these fascinating reptiles. Along with Praslin, it is also the only island on which the sea coconut grows wild.

7 January 2020 – Aride Island

Aride is an island in the Seychelles situated a few kilometres north-west of Praslin. Listed as a nature reserve, this pearl of the Indian Ocean will seduce you with the beauty of its landscapes of wild cliffs and fine-sand beaches. Protected from human impact and sometimes called “bird capital”, it is home to several endemic plants as well as exceptional wildlife. Most notably, it is the refuge of an impressive number of seabirds (Seychelles magpie-robins, terns, noddies, and more), and reptiles, such as Wright’s skinks, which can be found in the island’s wooded areas. Sea turtles can also be observed on the island’s beaches, and boxfish can be admired while scuba diving in the surrounding waters.

8 January 2020 – Grande Sœur

9 January 2020 – Praslin Island

Arrival 09/01/2020. Departure 09/01/2020.

Situated some forty kilometres away from Victoria, Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles. Its idyllic beaches where granite rocks nestle in immaculate sand correspond perfectly to how we imagine the Seychelles to be. They invite visitors to dive into the turquoise waters, which are ideal for snorkelling. In the centre of the island, hidden in the heart of a stunning tropical rainforest, lies the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this veritable plant sanctuary, several endemic species of palm trees can be observed, as well as the famous sea coconut, which can weigh up to 20 kg and is sometimes called “coco fesse” because its shape calls to mind a pair of buttocks.

10 January 2020 – La Digue Island

La Digue Island is a veritable concentration of all the beauty of the Seychelles. Located 6 km south-east of Praslin, this small piece of land that looks like paradise is the third-largest island in the Seychelles, despite its modest size (5 km by 3km)! Turquoise waters just asking you to swim in them, lush vegetation sheltering giant tortoises, beaches of fine sand fringed with coconut trees and surrounded with those emblematic large granite rocks with their pink highlights like at the famous Anse Source d’Argent: the perfect picture postcard… Authentic and preserved, the island follows a peaceful rhythm, with the only means of transport along its little roads being bikes or traditional oxcarts.

Victoria, Mahé

Disembarkation 11/01/2020 at 00H00 .

Discover Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and also the largest of the archipelago, home to the capital, Victoria. Mahé has almost 70 beaches of fine sand, framed by the emblematic granite rocks, and whose crystal clear waters are renowned for their rich underwater life. The island is also famous for its splendid mountain panoramas accessible on hikes, such as the Morne Seychellois, which is 905 metres high and overlooks the Indian Ocean. Mahé is also an island full of history where fine colonial properties rub shoulders with Creole houses - and don’t forget the marvellous Botanical Gardens in Victoria.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

In order to participate in diving sessions, guests must have with them a medical certificate less than 1 year old and their up to date dive book.

Diving in Seychelles

Diving in Seychelles

Cruise Mahe - Mahe

From January 3rd to January 11th, 2020

Scuba diving

Your dives will be led by Patrick Brissac your instructor. He will take care of your safety and that all goes smoothly.

On some diving sites, as in natural reserves or if the local regulations require it, a local guide will escort the diving.

Thanks to check below.

PORTS OF CALL

CERTIFIED DIVES

FIRST DIVES

SAINT JOSEPH

YES

NO

CURIEUSE ISLAND

YES

NO

ARIDE ISLAND

NO

NO

GRANDE-SOEUR

YES

NO

PRASLIN

YES

NO

LA DIGUE

YES

NO

The minimum level required for scuba diving on this cruise is 2 stars CMA or the Open Water Diver Padi.

What is a confirmed diver?

A confirmed diver is 2 star CMAS certified diver, or the Open Water Diver (PADI).

The certification card, the diving log book and a recent medical certificate (less than 12 months) must be presented at the beginning of the cruise to our diving instructor Patrick BRISSAC. You must have done at least 1 diving during the year before the “Expedition” cruise.

How does it work?

The instructor can dive with 4 confirmed divers at a time, according to their certification. The instructor reserves the right to check divers’ ability for maximum safety.

The depth that can be reached will depend of the certification of the divers:

For the 2 stars CMAS, or Open Water Divers, the maximum depth will be 25 meters.

If 2 divers with the above certifications want to dive together, they will have a briefing before the dive. They will have to dive with a diving computer. The maximum depth will be 20 meters.

Duration of the dives

The diving activity lasts from 2 to 3 hours, which includes the journey to the diving site and the diving. This duration is given as an indication and may vary according to the site, the level of divers, weather conditions and the number of participants.

For experienced divers, the duration of dives varies between 35 and 60 minutes depending on the site, the diver’s experience and consumption. As we will dive in remote place, the dives will be done without decompression stop. A safety stop of 3 minutes at 5 meters will be mandatory.

Supplied equipment

Diving wetsuit

Stabilizing jacket

Fins

Mask

Snorkel

Regulator with octopus and pressure gauge

Diving computer

Rates

Price per person

Certified dive:

Exploration (1 dive): €80

Excellence Package (3 dives): €225

Passion Package (6 dives): €420

Fauna of the Indian Ocean

The fauna of the Indian Ocean is very varied. During the various dives, divers can be observed various species of benthic fauna such as emperor angel fish, Meyer butterfly fish, raccoon butterfly fish, and pelagic fauna such as manta rays, Gray reef sharks, as well as endemic wildlife such as spiny orange sponges and fried egg anemone.

Theme

TROPICAL EXPEDITION

Choosing a PONANT expedition cruise means choosing a state of mind: the alliance of elegance and authenticity, of exploration and comfort, of adventure and refinement… The comfort of your ship and your stateroom, personalised and attentive service, refined gastronomy: a very special atmosphere that we take great care to maintain. In the heart of the archipelagos of Oceania or the atolls of the Indian Ocean, along the wild coastlines of CentralAmerica or Australia, our luxurious services will ensure that your expedition cruise is an unforgettable experience.

PONANT, expedition cruise specialists

With almost 20 years of experience in the extreme regions, PONANT, the world’s number 1 polar cruise company, is also a real specialist in the planet’s most remote tropical regions. Our latest-generation fleet has the most modern technology to guarantee both your safety and respect for the regions visited. The size of our ships means we can get as close as possible to areas that are difficult to reach, offering a privileged access to preserved sites. Our flexibility enables us to adapt to the surprises inherent to these expedition itineraries.

Professional expedition teams, varied activities

After scouting missions in the field, our Expedition Leaders and their teams of naturalist guides design exceptional itineraries in the tropical regions. During the cruise, they organise daily outings and shore visits in Zodiac dinghies so as to get as close to nature as possible. They can reserve local means of transport (dugout canoes, bush taxis, local buses, etc.) in order to reach essential sites for hiking (volcanoes, nature reserves, etc.) or for visiting isolated villages. Indeed, the close relationships that our teams have been able to build with the local communities will enable you to share the life and ancestral customs of these peoples for a few hours. The naturalist guides also supervise snorkelling tours to discover the coral reef fauna. On board, the naturalist guides will share their knowledge during various conferences on fauna, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology…

Flights Emirates Paris/Paris in economy class+visits+transfers. Business class under conditions

Flights on Emirates Airlines from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Mahé (flights include 1 stop).

The day of your embarkation Mahé

Meet at the airport – Arrival Hall (look for PONANT sign).

You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT.

You will be directly transferred by coach to the pier to embark on board your ship. The duration of the transfer is approximately 30 minutes.

Luggage will be transported separately to the port.

- Cruise onboard your ship -

The day of your disembarkation Mahé

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative. Your luggage will be transported by truck to the hotel.

You will depart the pier by coach for a short transfer to Victoria. Enjoy free time to purchase souvenirs. You will then proceed to Savoy Resort & Spa, a modern beachfront resort located at Beau Vallon, one of the largest beaches in the Seychelles, 10 minutes away from Victoria.

Check-in your day-use room.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Lunch is at your own expense.

Dinner included at the hotel. You will then be transferred by coach to Mahé International Airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight. Your luggage will be transported by truck to the airport.

The Seychelles rupee (SCR) is the official currency of the Seychelles.

The Seychellois speak both English and French.

For the hotel interlude, we recommend that you bring along an extra bag with a change of clothing and sunprotection (hat, sunglasses and sunglasses). The hotel will distribute one beach towel per person to be returned at the front desk before leaving the hotel.

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Important information

Expedition programmes include activities such as Zodiac® outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landings"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.

Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.

Travelling to isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. In remote areas, please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.

During your visits to some local communities, all guests will be required to dress respectfully. Ladies must have their shoulders and thighs covered. Gentlemen should have their shoulders covered also.

Do not hesitate to visit the online PONANT store which offers a selection of equipment and accessories adapted to our destinations, at the following address: https://boutique.ponant.com

Benefits of the PONANT store:

Advice on equipment from our experts to help you prepare for your polar expedition

A wide range of technical equipment for polar expeditions, approved by our experts

Two delivery options: delivery to your home or directly to your cabin on board the ship

Before your cruise

01/01/2020 – RELAXING STAY AND GLIMPSE OF VICTORIA (2 NIGHTS)

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of three days to discover the largest island in Seychelles with a visit to the main charms of Mahé, and enjoy a relaxing interlude in an idyllic resort in the heart of lush vegetation surrounded by two white sand beaches with crystal waters. This programme will be a perfect prelude to your cruise.

Day 1 - Victoria, Mahé

Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign.

You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the PONANT selected flight. Your luggage will be transported by truck from the airport to the hotel.

You will be transferred by coach to Constance Ephelia Resort.

Check-in.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Buffet dinner included.

Day 2 - Victoria, Mahé

The day is at leisure.

Lunch is at your own expense.

Buffet dinner included.

Day 3 - Victoria, Mahé

Your room must be vacated at 12 noon. Your luggage will be transported by truck to the pier.

You will depart the hotel for a half day tour. First, you will make your way to one of the finest local restaurants for lunch. After lunch, you will visit the charming city of Victoria. You will pass by the downsized replica of the clock tower on London’s Vauxhall Bridge. The replica was brought to Victoria in 1903 when the Seychelles became a crown colony. You will then proceed to the Botanical Garden for a visit to a colony of Aldabra giant land tortoises, fruit bats and a chance to view the world famous “Coco de Mer” (double coconut) palm and wander the grounds full of plants and flowers both endemic and introduced to the Seychelles. While travelling, you will learn about the history of the Seychelles islands, once a haven for pirates and corsairs, and also Mahé named by Mahé de La Bourdonnais, a French governor of Mauritius.

At the end of the visit, you will be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.

Your hotel:

Overlooking the marine national park of Port Launay, Constance Ephélia Resort enjoys an unique location set within 120 hectares of land with luxuriant and rare vegetation. Created to blend seamlessly with its natural setting, the hotel overlooks two stunning beaches. All Junior Suites feature a comfortable lounge area, a spacious bathroom with bathtub and separate shower, air conditioning and ceiling fan, complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel offers 5 restaurants, 5 bars, 4 swimming pools, a Spa, a yoga pavillion, tennis & squash courts and water sports activities.

The services of a local English-speaking hostess on Day 1 during the transfer.

The services of a local English-speaking guide on Day 3 during the tour.

Luggage trucks as mentioned in the programme.

Tips for the driver, the hostess and the guide.

Your programme does not include:

Lunch on Day 2.

Personal expenses.

Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

The Seychelles rupee (SCR) is the official currency of the Seychelles.

The Seychellois usually speak both English and French.

Contact of your hotel:

Constance Ephelia Resort

PO Box 611, Victoria,

Mahé, Seychelles

Telephone: +248 429 70 00

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent ; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

03/01/2020 – TRANSFER TO THE PORT OF MAHÉ

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.

Victoria, Mahé

Meet at the airport – Arrival Hall (look for PONANT sign).

You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT.

You will be directly transferred by coach to the pier to embark on board your ship. The duration of the transfer is approximately 30 minutes.

Luggage will be transported separately to the port.

Your programme includes:

Transfer by coach from the airport to the port.

Luggage truck to the port.

Services of a local English-speaking hostess at the airport and during the transfer.

Tips for the driver and the hostess.

Your programme does not include:

Personal expenses.

Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Duration of the transfer is given as a guide only. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

After your cruise

11/01/2020 – RELAXING DAY IN MAHÉ

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your day between the port of disembarkation and the airport.

Victoria, Mahé

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative. Your luggage will be transported by truck to the hotel.

You will depart the pier by coach for a short transfer to Victoria. Enjoy free time to purchase souvenirs. You will then proceed to Savoy Resort & Spa, a modern beachfront resort located at Beau Vallon, one of the largest beaches in the Seychelles, 10 minutes away from Victoria.

Check-in your day-use room.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Lunch is at your own expense.

Dinner included at the hotel. You will then be transferred by coach to Mahé International Airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight. Your luggage will be transported by truck to the airport.

Transfers as mentioned in the programme including a 45-minute stop in Victoria.

Luggage trucks as mentioned in the programme.

Services of a local English-speaking guide during the transfers.

Tips for the driver and guide.

Your programme does not include:

Personal expenses.

Other services not mentioned in the programme

Please note:

The Seychelles rupee (SCR) is the official currency of the Seychelles.

The Seychellois speak both English and French.

For the hotel interlude, we recommend that you bring along an extra bag with a change of clothing and sunprotection (hat, sunglasses and sunglasses). The hotel will distribute one beach towel per person to be returned at the front desk before leaving the hotel.

Contact of your hotel:

Savoy Resort & Spa Seychelles

PO Box 400 Beau Vallon

Mahé Island, Seychelles

Telephone: +248 4392000

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Attention: the prices listed at the time of your reservation can be different from those listed in the brochure. These prices can evolve based on availability and the real time rates of the airline companies selected.

Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. Ponant advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. Ponant specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.